The Traditional Health Practitioners Act, 2004 (Act No. 35 of 2004), was a foundational step in recognising traditional healing as a vital part of South Africa’s healthcare landscape. It provided for the establishment of a regulatory council to oversee the registration, training, and conduct of traditional health practitioners.
The Act aimed to protect both practitioners and the public by ensuring professional standards, while also safeguarding the rich cultural heritage and knowledge embedded in traditional healing. This legislation set the groundwork for future developments in formalising the sector.
